CAI and Cat Back mods...Experts weigh in please

[Razorback]

Will be adding Whipple tune and their intercooler or Mishimoto's, but I'm just confused about CAI and Cat Back exhaust claims. Looking to add both, but just as many people say they add HP and Torque on their own as others say they add nothing but sound unless added as part of a tune. Seems dyno numbers would settle the aurgument on both sides; but then I see videos supporting both sides. Could some of the sponsers weigh in on their experience? @Mishimoto @Boomba Racing @LethalPerformance @Stage 3 Motorsports @Caleb@PandaMotorworks

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[Caleb@PandaMotorworks]

We currently do not have the dyno graphs you are looking for to support those claims. However, with our EcoBoost experience, these stock intake filters are very restrictive. An aftermarket filter/intake should provide a very marginal increase in power. As for the exhaust, there wont be much an any power gains. A tune is where you get most of the gains from. While not required, it is beneficial to get a tune after adding modification. Its allows the engine to be dialed in as much as possible with the new components, giving you the greatest increase in power while also improving the drivability and throttle response.

So in conclusion, without a tune, you won't see much of anything as far as gains go. At least not enough to physically feel a difference. It will sounds cool though!

 

[MRTperformance]

Your more likely to see a difference in numbers when it comes to the intake and not the exhaust. The main hold up in the exhaust is the suitcase muffler however the rest of the exhaust system is surprisingly unrestrictive from the turbo downpipe up until the suitcase muffler. This is why MRT stuck with Axle-back systems for the Bronco as we saw no need to replace the factory exhaust before the rear axle. Unless you are doing major engine/turbo modification you will not see any major benefit when it comes to dyno numbers with exhaust mods.

 

[LethalPerformance]

If you're looking to gain power, the Whipple Calibration and an intercooler is a great way to do so. That's what we've tested and currently have on our 2.7L First Edition Bronco. We have their Calibration, Megachiller Intercooler, and Air Filter Kit, which we made roughly 324RWHP and 432RWTQ with.

You can see the video and dyno pulls here :


Although, as far as Catbacks and other exhaust goes, I recommend going with whichever system sounds the best and looks the best in your opinion. The catback is not going to make a significant difference in power. I will agree with MRT as far as getting rid of the large, restrictive suitcase muffler in the rear for something that is far less restrictive and weighs much less. You may see a 5-10 HP increase with a catback, but it's not something you will feel, so to say. Focus more on sound, design, and material.

We have a few different videos and sound clips from ones we've tested here :

MRT : 2021 Ford Bronco gets MRT Exhaust | MRT Goodies Part 2
Roush : 2021 Ford Bronco | Roush Performance Exhaust Install & Sound Clips!
AWE : 2021+ Ford Bronco 0FG Exhaust from AWE | Sound clips for the 2.3L and 2.7L!

Another note with a catback, at least from what we've experienced, there tends to be a little bit more of a deeper tone. The AWE has a mid-mounted muffler opposed to the rear, axleback mounted that comes stock. The different location of the muffler gives a different sound, less drone, and gives the rear more clearance.

Of course, as also previously mentioned, if and when more upgrades become available, such as down-pipes, upgraded turbos, and other things that would significantly increase the amount of engine air flow, an aftermarket, better flowing cat-back would be much more beneficial.

Let me know if you have any other questions.


Joe Rocchio / [email protected]
877-2-LETHAL | lethalperformance.com

 

[HotdogThud]

Your more likely to see a difference in numbers when it comes to the intake and not the exhaust. The main hold up in the exhaust is the suitcase muffler however the rest of the exhaust system is surprisingly unrestrictive from the turbo downpipe up until the suitcase muffler. This is why MRT stuck with Axle-back systems for the Bronco as we saw no need to replace the factory exhaust before the rear axle. Unless you are doing major engine/turbo modification you will not see any major benefit when it comes to dyno numbers with exhaust mods.

This. ^^^

Most intake systems on turbo cars these days tend to get noticeable gains from an intake, mostly because they tend to just straight up allow more air into the system. The ECU then compensates for the added air and adds more fuel, and biggity-bam, more power.

The exhaust tho? unless you're swapping out downpipes for something bigger with higher flow cats, *AND* getting a retune to match the lowered exhaust pressure and higher flow, then you won't see much. Get an exhaust because you want something that sounds better, not because you want more power.

 

[Cl1ckst3r]

As for as the CAI goes, I'd make sure you pick one that actually has an upgraded intake tube. There are several that offer an upgraded airbox and air filter which will help but I think the biggest restriction of the stock system is the intake tube which connects the airbox to the turbo. There are a couple that I have seen that offer the airbox, air filter and upgraded intake tube.

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